If the alternate weather forecast deteriorates so it no longer meets alternate weather minima, what must be done?

If the alternate weather forecast deteriorates so it no longer meets alternate weather minima, what must be done?

• A. The flight may continue to the destination if the forecast meets minima
• B. The flight may not continue to the destination without amending the release for a new alternate that meets alternate weather minima
• C. The flight must fly an alternate approach
• D. The flight must return to the original departure airport

Answer: (B)

The plan must always include an alternate airport that meets the required weather minimums. If the forecast for that alternate deteriorates and no longer meets those minima, you cannot rely on the current release. The correct action is to amend the flight release to specify a new alternate that does meet the alternate weather minimums. This keeps a valid contingency plan in place before departure. Continuing to the destination with a noncompliant alternate isn’t allowed, and simply using an alternate approach or returning to the departure airport doesn’t address the need for a compliant alternate in the release.

The plan must always include an alternate airport that meets the required weather minimums. If the forecast for that alternate deteriorates and no longer meets those minima, you cannot rely on the current release. The correct action is to amend the flight release to specify a new alternate that does meet the alternate weather minimums. This keeps a valid contingency plan in place before departure. Continuing to the destination with a noncompliant alternate isn’t allowed, and simply using an alternate approach or returning to the departure airport doesn’t address the need for a compliant alternate in the release.